Tour of Doctors....

It seems like we've spent the last week in and out of every doctor's office on the Beverly Hospital campus. All were routine appointments, it just seems like we could have collected them all on one day, rather than over the course of a whole week. Would have made for much less driving. 

Appointment #1: our full survey ultrasound of baby #2! At 19 weeks, they did my full survey ultrasound. I warned the tech when we got there that she would have to chase this baby around to get all the measurements she needed, and she sure did. This little one is quite the acrobat! She followed the baby around and measured everything. Everything looked good, and we got to see lots of pictures. Oh, and they told us the baby's gender........

IT'S A BOY!

Now all we have to do is figure out what to do with a boy ;) and pick out some boy's names. 

Appointment #2: Mike's consult for some swollen lymph nodes. Mike has had some swollen lymph nodes in his neck. He has had a bunch of tests done, and everything has been coming back normal. Naturally we are a little sensitive about swollen lymph nodes, so we went to see a specialist to make sure that there was nothing that would trigger concern. The appointment went great. The doctor was really great at listening to our concerns, and Mike's family history. The exam didn't show anything concerning, and most likely they are just from congestion and a mild virus. We did leave with some homework - Mike has to see if he can get some genetic testing done with his family to see if there are any links to the BRCA gene. 

Appointment #3: my quarterly oncology appointment. This one was totally uneventful. Went in, labs were normal, I was feeling good, and nothing looked concerning. The great part is, since it's now been two years since my diagnosis and start of treatment, I only have to go back every 6 months! The next time I go in, I'll have had the baby already! It's nice to know that things are going the right way. 

Appointment #4: Today was my 20 week appointment at the birth center with the midwife. I love going to these because we get to hear the baby's heartbeat. It's so fun to hear! I have finally been able to put on some weight! Which just means that I've gotten my appetite back. The baby sounds great, but scooted away as soon as she put the doppler on my belly. We found him again though, and I could feel him push back on the sensor. He wanted to be left alone apparently. I can't believe it's already half way through! 

I've been nesting like crazy. Organized the whole kitchen. Cleaned out the laundry room and that will be organized next. I've been deciding what to do in the baby's room, and we are going to be getting a mini crib to replace the full size crib so the furniture can move a little - giving some more room. We are going to try doing EC (elimination communication) with this baby, so I've been researching that, and figuring out where to get a tiny potty. I've been knitting up this baby's blanket, and really loving the pattern! I'm using some great yarn from my friend's shop - AnotherCraftyGirl - on Etsy. I love her Elmo colorway, and she is the one who does the Saoirse yarn for us. I can't wait to see it all done. 

That's all for now - I have to pee....

Little kicks....

Finally starting to feel the baby move. This is the strangest part of pregnancy for me. It's when it sort of gets real, but no one else can be part of it. Also, its hard to know what's baby and what's gas sometimes. When I went to my 16 week appointment on Monday, I couldn't really tell if it was the baby yet. Strangely, that afternoon, I really started feeling the baby wiggling. I kind of needed it, as I've still been having a tough time connecting with being pregnant. There are so many mixed emotions with this pregnancy, and it's been hard to get excited. 

When we got pregnant with Saoirse, we were so excited. Reading all the books, doing all the preparations, getting the nursery ready, planning our new family... there was so much to do, and everything was new and exciting. This time, there is less to do to prepare.  I don't need to read as many books, the nursery is already together, and Saoirse's not here to share it all with. I think as we go along, and the baby gets bigger and pushier, the excitement will build some, and I know I will love the baby when it arrives. I guess the good thing about pregnancy lasting 9 months is that we have time to work through all our emotions. 

Big Sister

Well, Mike a little bit let it out of the bag, so I guess I better put it out there... Saoirse is going to be a big sister! 

Both the baby and I are doing well. We go for regular check ups and all the doctors see no complications. I have a team of people looking over everything, and everyone has been amazingly supportive. It's been a hard time emotionally, and I've had some trouble connecting with being pregnant again, but we are working through it, and deep down we are truly excited and happy. We know Saoirse would have loved being a big sister, and she would have been a great one. 

World Cancer Day

Today is World Cancer Day. I fight for Saoirse, and I know many of you do as well. My favorite awareness video so far has been the newest one created by St Baldricks - The Childhood Cancer Ripple Effect. I wanted to share it with you all, as it really hits it right on the head. We can win the fight, but we have to do it together. 

New Ventures

We started shipping! CareAline Products have started shipping out to nurses and patients. I have been working on tweaking the website (as Mike did most of the building and has spend countless frustrating hours getting everything working), and trying to make it as easy to use as possible. Hopefully hospitals will see the benefit to supplying them to their patients. We know how much they helped with Saoirse's lines, and so we can't wait for more people to have access to them for their child's or their own lines. If you haven't seen CareAline Sleeves for PICC lines and CareAline Wraps for Central Lines check our our website! 

www.CareAline.com

What to Expect.... the Unexpected

I was asked to write a guest post for the Word of Mom page on the What to Expect website! I would love it if you would all read and share it with your friends. Take a look by clicking HERE. Let me know what you think! I hope to write more for them this year, and share Saoirse and Neuroblastoma with the world! 

Thanks Everyone! 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the halls

The nurses were stirring, decking the walls.

The stockings were hung on the IV poles with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas would remember they're there.

The children were nestled in hospital beds

while visions of home danced in their heads

And mamma in her slippers, and papa in his sweats

Try to settle down and get much needed rest. 

When down the hall there arose such a clatter

The nurses went running to see what was the matter.

Away to the door a mom runs with a whoosh

With fear in her heart that a child is worse.

The pump lights are glowing, and the monitors beep

The nurses take care to let little ones sleep.

Parents lay restless, and wish they could be

at home with their kids who were all cancer free.

Santas speak not a word, but go straight to their work

And fill up the stockings, before returning to work.

With a twinge in their heart, and a smile on their face

They are sure to leave everything in the right place.

The twinkling lights make the little ones smile

And forget all their troubles for just a small while.

As parents find joy and hold back their tears

They try not to show the kids all their fears.

Their eyes - how they twinkle, their dimples how merry.

Their cheeks are like roses, noses like cherries.

They see all the presents tied up with a bow

And the white out the window of fresh fallen snow.

Each special child with hope in their hearts

Dreams of the day when the pain will depart.

But for one special day, none of that is in sight

And all can be merry on this Christmas Night!